Happy New Year!
IBJ Parent Updates for the Week of 1.3.22
Principal Corner
Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:
Welcome to 2022! I hope everyone enjoyed their winter break! I know it was much needed for our staff and students.
As we close out the first semester and head into the second semester (which starts January 19th), I want to remind everyone about our COVID protocols (which are all linked below). It is even more vital to take essential precautions around our health and safety with the winter months ahead. I am personally encouraging every family to be extra precautious about sending their children to school with any of the COVID symptoms listed below. Please do not send your child to school if they show any of these symptoms. And, please remind your child/ren of the importance of wearing their mask correctly (over their mouth and nose).
I know that there are a lot of questions and unknowns right now with the Omicron variant. As a school leader, I am monitoring our staffing numbers closely each day. I am also counting on our families to stay in touch with Josh Rigsby, our COVID Coordinator, if your child is showing symptoms, needs to be tested, has been exposed, or has tested positive for COVID. You can reach him at josh.rigsby@acsgmail.net or 828.713.4615.
I encourage you to use our school's website, our Facebook page, the district's Back to School Updates Website, and follow us on Twitter @Principal_IBJ as sources of information.
As a school leader and a parent, I understand the necessity of healthy communication between families and the school. I welcome your questions, celebrations, or concerns at any time. You can reach me by calling the school (828-350-6700) or via email (ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net).
There are new updates about quarantine guidelines in the NC Strong School Toolkit. Updates are in red.
Warmly,
Ruafika A. Cobb
Principal
Monday, January 3rd & Remote Learning Days
Monday, January 3, will be a Winter Weather Remote Learning Day. Mrs. Ashley-Michelle Thublin has contacted all parents about this update already, but I want to remind our families that students should complete DAY ONE of their remote learning packet. Students will bring this in with them when they return to school so that they can be marked present for Monday, January 3rd. Here is a link to all of the packets.
Below is additional information from the parent handbook (page 6) about weather updates in the future.
SNOW CLOSING AND DELAYED OPENINGS
On days of a delayed opening, students should arrive at 9:30 am. There is no supervision for children before that time. Information about snow closings or delayed openings will be made as early as possible on the mornings of inclement weather on the following radio & television stations and via the Asheville City Schools hotline and website. Families with contact info entered in our district’s Blackboard Connect Communication System will also receive phone messages and email alerts regarding school closing.
Radio Stations: WWNC, WKSF, WISE, WCQS, WPEK, WOXL, WRES, WQNX, WQNQ, WMXF
Television Stations: WLOS (13), WSPA (7), WYFF (4), WMYA (40), and WHNS (21)
Asheville City Schools Hotline: 828-350-6188
Web Sites: www.ashevillecityschools.net www.citizen-times.com www.wlos.com
When schools are dismissed early due to inclement weather, announcements are made on the same stations and through our recorded phone system. Students who ride the bus will be sent home on the bus unless we hear from a parent. Car riders will be allowed to make phone calls.
When school is on a delayed schedule, buses will pick up children 2 hours later than the regular pick-up time.
- Students will do one of the five days of work from the Winter Packet sent home in November.
- Student Attendance: Students will be marked present on Remote Learning Days when they submit their completed packet to their teacher when they return to school. Students will have five days after they return to school to submit the completed packet (one packet per day out).
ACS Enrollment Info
Enrollment "season" is approaching! Do you have a rising kindergarten you need to enroll in our school next year? Here's what you need to know:
- All enrollment information can be found on this Asheville City Schools website.
- Applications will be given equal consideration, regardless of the date received during the open enrollment period. Placements are not based on a first-come, first-serve basis. If space allows, all applications will be placed at their 1st choice. If there is insufficient space to place all applicants at their 1st choice, that particular school will go to a lottery.
- Open enrollment begins on February 7, 2022.
- We will be hosting open-house tours (along with other elementary schools in ACS) on January 13th, 20th, and 27th from 3:30-6:30 pm.
Please share this information as you see fit. Thanks for your help!
Get Your Go Local Card
Go Local is a major fundraiser for our PTO/school (whichever you want to use), which uses this funding for school initiatives and needs, including teacher grants, classroom supplies, field trips, cultural enrichment, our drama program, and increased funding to upgrade our 3-5 playground. When you buy a Go Local Card, you support Ira B. Jones and our local businesses (aka the heart of Asheville), plus you save money! And they make great gifts for everyone on your list!
Upcoming Important Dates
Monday, January 3: Students return to school - Remote Learning Day
Wednesday, January 5th: 5:30-6:30pm - Montford North Star Academy VIRTUAL Open House https://tinyurl.com/MNSAOpenHouse2022
Thursday, January 6th: 5:30-6:30pm - Asheville Middle School VIRTUAL Open House https://tinyurl.com/AMSOpenHouse2022
Friday, January 14: End of Quarter 2/1st Semester
Monday, January 17: Holiday, no school
Tuesday, January 18: Optional Teacher Workday, no school for students
Tuesday, January 25: Report cards go home
ATTENTION 3rd GRADE FAMILIES
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
Website: https://www.ashevillecityschools.net/Domain/478
Phone: 828.350.6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irabjones/
Ruafika A. Cobb
Email: ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/acsgmail.net/jones-remote-learning-hub/home
Phone: 828.350.6700
Twitter: @Principal_IBJ